*Near Eastern Civilizations 97r. Group Tutorial—Sophomore Year
Catalog Number: 0167
Jay M. Harris and members of the Department
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
An introduction to the cultures and literatures of the Near East in ancient, classical, and modern times, emphasizing major themes and problems that cut across individual cultures and historical periods.
*Near Eastern Civilizations 98r. Tutorial — Junior Year
Catalog Number: 2612
Jay M. Harris and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Note: Designed for juniors concentrating in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
*Near Eastern Civilizations 99r. Tutorial — Senior Year
Catalog Number: 6623
Jay M. Harris and members of the Department
Full course. Hours to be arranged.
Note: Designed for seniors concentrating in Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations.
Near Eastern Civilizations 200b. Middle Eastern Studies Research Project: Seminar
Catalog Number: 9274
Susan M. Kahn
Half course (spring term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
This course introduces students to a range of research methods and scholarly sources in preparation for writing a proposal for the masters thesis in Middle Eastern Studies (students from other areas are welcome). Students are expected to formulate a research question,identify methods appropriate to their inquiry, compile a literature review, and write a thesis prosposal. Successful completion of the course depends on the student’s ability to secure the commitment of a thesis advisor by the end of the semester.
Note: Required for students who have elected to write a masters thesis in Middle Eastern Studies; open to graduate students in related fields.
*Near Eastern Civilizations 390. Direction of Doctoral Dissertations
Catalog Number: 3041
Ali S. Asani 7739, Shaye J.D. Cohen 4180 (on leave spring term), William A. Graham, Jr. (Divinity School) 4156, William E. Granara 1054, Jo Ann Hackett 2389, Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School) 1394 (on leave fall term), Jay M. Harris 2266, Wolfhart P. Heinrichs 4988, John Huehnergard 7697, Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School) 2264, Peter Machinist 2812 (on leave 2008-09), James R. Russell 3411 (on leave spring term), Bernard Septimus 7160, P. Oktor Skjaervo 2869 (on leave fall term), Lawrence E. Stager 1468, Piotr Steinkeller 7337 (on leave spring term), Wheeler M. Thackston, Jr. 4004 (fall term only), and Ruth R. Wisse 3177
[Ancient Near East 101. Introduction to Mesopotamian Archaeology]
Catalog Number: 1245
James A. Armstrong
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Surveys the archaeology of ancient Mesopotamia (geographically defined as the territory of modern Iraq plus immediately adjacent areas) from the Neolithic Period until the conquest of Alexander the Great. While theoretical issues and approaches will not be neglected, the emphasis in this class is on the archaeological data that are used in reconstructions of Mesopotamia’s history and its ancient social systems.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Ancient Near East 102. Introduction to Mesopotamian Religion]
Catalog Number: 0486
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
A survey of the sources, data, and principal concerns. A selection of texts are read in translation.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3661.
Ancient Near East 105. History of the Ancient Near East: The Levant (up to Alexander the Great)
Catalog Number: 0711
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
The civilization and cultural traditions of the peoples of Syria-Palestine from the third millennium to the time of Alexander the Great.
[Ancient Near East 107. History and Historiography in the Ancient Near East]
Catalog Number: 0665
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Conceptions of history and the practice of historical writing in the ancient Near East. Discussions based on a comparative study of texts from a variety of cultural traditions, such as the Hittites, Mesopotamia, ancient Israel/ Hebrew Bible, and Second Temple Judaism, together with classical Greece.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1427.
[Ancient Near East 109r. History and Archaeology of the Ancient Near East]
Catalog Number: 1822
Lawrence E. Stager and Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic for 2009-10: To be announced.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1822.
Ancient Near East 110. Imag(in)ing Ancient Egypt in the Past, Present, and Future: Ancient Egypt in the Popular Literary, Cinematic, and Theatrical Imagination - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9763
Emily O’Dell
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Investigates how both the "East" and the "West" imag(in)e the pharaonic cultural and artistic heritage of ancient Egypt in theater, literature, and cinema through conscious and subconscious attempts to exotify and modernize ancient Egyptian history, religion, mythology, and art. We will consider how archaeology, Egyptology, religion and cultural memory have exploited the cultural heritage of ancient Egypt, why Egyptomania continues to thrive, and what role the pharaonic past might play in the real and imagined future.
[Ancient Near East 111. Law in the World of the Bible]
Catalog Number: 6397
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
An examination of what law was and how it operated in ancient Israel through its primary expression in the Hebrew Bible. Attention to the wider contexts of law in the ancient Near East, especially Mesopotamia, in which Biblical law originated, and to the legacy of Biblical law in the subsequent traditions of early Judaism.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Ancient Near East 115. Archaeology of the Levant (Syria-Palestine)
Catalog Number: 2813
Lawrence E. Stager and Ofer Bar-Yosef
Half course (fall term). F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A chronological survey of the archaeology of the Levant in which material culture provides a window on human evolution, society, economy, and religion from the Lower Palaeolithic to Hellenistic times. Special topics include the earliest colonization of Homo erectus, the origin of modern humans, the emergence of farming and pastoral societies, the formation and dissolution of Bronze Age city-states, and the rise and fall of Iron Age kingdoms such as Israel, Moab, and Edom.
Note: Includes a lab section.
[Ancient Near East 117. Biblical Archaeology]
Catalog Number: 1371
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (fall term). F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Archaeology and texts, such as the Bible, used to reconstruct aspects of social, economic, and religious life (from courtier to commoner) in ancient Israel during the Iron Age.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1422. Includes a lab section.
[Ancient Near East 118. Syro-Palestinian Pottery]
Catalog Number: 1368
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (fall term). F., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
A basic introduction to the pottery sequence of Palestine and Syria from Neolithic through Roman times, with emphasis on typological attributes having chronological significance. Conducted in the Harvard Semitic Museum laboratory.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Includes a lab section.
Ancient Near East 120. Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures
Catalog Number: 6544
Michael D. Coogan
Half course (fall term). F., 9–11, and a weekly section to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 2, 3
A survey of the Hebrew Scriptures as viewed in their historical and cultural setting in the ancient Near East and as interpreted by modern scholarship, with attention to this literature as an expression of the religious thought of Israel and one of the formative influences on Western civilization.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1101.
Ancient Near East 122. Biblical Interpretation: Seminar
Catalog Number: 4289 Enrollment: Limited to 15.
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The biblical Book of Isaiah will be studied with attention to its historical setting, its major theological themes, its literary qualities, and its place within the religion of ancient Israel. The class will also consider the ways in which this prophetic writing continues to influence contemporary religious and political thought and action.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1814.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or equivalent.
[Ancient Near East 124. Myth and Myth-Making in the Biblical and Ancient Near Eastern World]
Catalog Number: 7859
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
An exploration of the nature and function of myth in the context of the ancient Near East. The course focuses on selected mythic texts from various Near Eastern cultures and consider them in the light of general approaches to myth developed in Western scholarship. Particular attention is given to the issue of myth in the Hebrew Bible.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1128/3410.
[Ancient Near East 126. History of the Religion of Israel]
Catalog Number: 1672
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The study of ancient Israelite religion and culture in comparative historical context. Topics examined include conceptions of divinity, prophecy, law, kingship, and cult. Through such topics the aim is to see how Israel related to other cultures of the ancient Near East and, thus, of what value the study of the other cultures has in understanding the character of Israelite religion itself.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1110.
[Ancient Near East 127. Prophecy in Ancient Israel]
Catalog Number: 6739
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A study of the phenomenon and history of Israelite prophecy, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible, in the light of prophecy elsewhere in the ancient Near East and in other cultures. Pertinent sociological, literary, and religious issues explored.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1125.
Ancient Near East 128. Jewish Apocalypticism
Catalog Number: 8249
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 10, 11
A study of Jewish apocalyptic movements from their roots in late biblical prophesy to their flowering in Hellenistic and Roman times. Attention will be paid to the biblical and extra-biblical traditions incorporated in these texts and woven into messages addressing crises such as persecution and forced assimilation. The manner in which books like Daniel and Revelation are used by contemporary apocalyptic movements will be assessed.
Note: All texts read in English translation. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1460.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or the equivalent.
[Ancient Near East 131. Readings in the Septuagint]
Catalog Number: 3661
Richard J. Saley
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 12. EXAM GROUP: 14
This course aims to increase facility with Septuagint Greek by reading representative prose portions of the Septuagint and studying the peculiarities of the grammar inductively. The fundamentals of Koine Greek will be reviewed as necessary.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4215.
Prerequisite: One year of Greek.
[Ancient Near East 132. Ancient Jewish Wisdom Literature]
Catalog Number: 9522
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A close critical reading and interpretation of works thought to derive from the Wisdom tradition of ancient Israel, through the Second Temple period. The workings of the world and the ways of God as they appear in works such as Proverbs, Job, Qohelet, Ben Sira, some Psalms, the Wisdom of Solomon, Fourth Maccabees, and Pseudo-Phocylides as well as narratives such as the Joseph story, Esther, and Daniel. Egyptian and Mesopotamian antecedents and parallels briefly considered. Emphasis on matters of worldview and literary form.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1416.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or an equivalent introduction to the historical-critical study of the Hebrew Bible.
[Ancient Near East 134. Genesis: Narrative Artistry and Theological Meanings]
Catalog Number: 3291
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
A close critical reading in English of the book of Genesis with an eye both to the storytellers’ techniques and to the moral and theological dimensions of the text. Emphasis will be given to literary and religious rather than historical and editorial issues.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1417.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or an equivalent introduction to the historical-critical study of the Hebrew Bible.
Ancient Near East 135. Biblical Theology: Hebrew Bible
Catalog Number: 4476
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
The theology of the Hebrew Bible studied by explicating major biblical themes (e.g., creation, liberation, war and peace, economic justice, social reform) and then relating them to issues in the contemporary world. Attention also given to background questions such as concepts of biblical authority and hermeneutical theory.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1150/2470.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or equivalent.
Ancient Near East 137. The Hebrew Prophets
Catalog Number: 3183
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 9–10:30. EXAM GROUP: 11, 12
A survey of the prophetic books of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) with consideration of historical setting, location within the traditions of the Hebrew Scripture, and theological themes of each book. The relevance of the prophets for contemporary theology, ethics, economics, and politics will also be discussed, with due attention to the hermeneutical problems posed in relating an ancient scriptural classic to the modern world.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1151.
Ancient Near East 138. The Bible and Politics
Catalog Number: 8073
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 8:30–10. EXAM GROUP: 10, 11
The course will examine political models found in the Hebrew Bible; the role of biblical traditions in the development of church-state relations in the history of the US; and the possibility of a suitable political theology within the context of contemporary religion and politics.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1465/2529.
Prerequisite: Ancient Near East 120 or the equivalent.
*Ancient Near East 215r. Problems in the Archaeology of Bronze and Iron Age Levant: Seminar
Catalog Number: 2960
Lawrence E. Stager
Half course (fall term). F., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Topic for 2006-07: To be announced.
Note: Conducted in the Harvard Semitic Museum Laboratory.
[Ancient Near East 222. History of the Study of the Hebrew Bible: From the Renaissance to the Present: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 8086
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Surveys Hebrew biblical scholarship since the Renaissance, focusing on particular scholars and their representative and seminal works. The central theme is the emergence of and reactions to a historical-critical understanding of the Bible.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1425.
Prerequisite: A background in the study of the Hebrew Bible. Also, Biblical Hebrew and at least one of the following: French, German, and Modern Hebrew.
Ancient Near East 225. The Greek Bible in History and Theology: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2475
Andrew Teeter (Divinty School)
Half course (fall term). F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
An exploration of social, historical, interpretive, and theological issues associated with the so-called Septuagint and its complex relationship to early Judaism and Christianity. Emphases include origins, eschatology, messianism, halakhah, NT backgrounds, and biblical theology.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School.
Prerequisite: Basic reading knowledge of Greek and Hebrew.
Ancient Near East 236. Biblical Theology: Seminar
Catalog Number: 7022 Enrollment: Limited to 12.
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An examination of resources within the Bible for the construction of contemporary political theology.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1801/2471.
Prerequisite: Introductory level knowledge of the Bible and/or political science.
*Ancient Near East 320. Reading and Research in Ancient Mesopotamian Civilization
Catalog Number: 5678
John Huehnergard 7697, Peter Machinist 2812 (on leave 2008-09), and Piotr Steinkeller 7337 (on leave spring term)
*Ancient Near East 330. Reading and Research in Biblical Studies
Catalog Number: 1524
J. F. Coakley 3409 (spring term only), Jo Ann Hackett 2389, Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School) 1394 (on leave fall term), Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School) 2264, Peter Machinist 2812 (on leave 2008-09), and Lawrence E. Stager 1468
[Jewish Studies 111. Modern Jewish Thought]
Catalog Number: 5461
Jay M. Harris
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4.
A study of significant Jewish thinkers in the modern period and their reflections on the past and present meaning of Judaism. All thinkers studied against the background of premodern Jewish thought and the challenges posed by modern Western philosophical systems.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3682.
Jewish Studies 112. The Poet as Translator
Catalog Number: 3400
Avi Matalon
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines the phenomenon of accomplished poets who are also translators. Poetry demands original and direct access to language, while translation is thought of in terms of fidelity to an existing text. How do poets negotiate these seemingly contradictory expectations? Draws from various literary traditions, with special emphasis on Jewish literature.
Jewish Studies 114. History versus Literature in Modern Jewish Texts
Catalog Number: 3527
Avi Matalon
Half course (fall term). M., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Examines the treatment of history in modern Jewish and Israeli literature.
Jewish Studies 135. Jewish-Arab Encounters: the Classical Age
Catalog Number: 3448
Bernard Septimus
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
An examination of Jewish-Arab cultural exchange against its socio-political backdrop, from the pre-Islamic period through the thirteenth century. Topics include: perceptions of the other; social relations; polemics; conversions; interchange in the realms of religion, law, literature, philosophy and mysticism; the end of the classical age. These topics will be explored through primary sources in translation.
Jewish Studies 140. Deconstruction and Questions of Jewish Identity: Seminar
Catalog Number: 2198
Avi Matalon
Half course (fall term). Th., 2–4.
Examines the work of philosopher Jacques Derrida (1930–2004) and the method of deconstruction. Focuses on Derrida’s writings that touch on questions of identity, as developed in his prolific career.
[Jewish Studies 141. Jewish Society and Culture in Early Modern Europe]
Catalog Number: 8620
Rachel L. Greenblatt
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 12
The advent of print, the Protestant challenge to the Roman Catholic church, increasing use of the written vernacular, a blossoming of interest in different and exotic peoples-these and additional developments transformed Europe in the period from about 1500 to 1750. This course uses written and graphic primary sources to examine the place of these developments in Jewish society and culture, in the context of the history and historiography of Christian Europe.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Jewish Studies 144. History and Memory: Modes of Jewish Discourse]
Catalog Number: 7216
Rachel L. Greenblatt
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Focus on close readings of selected pre-Enlightenment Jewish historical writings, with consideration of relevant theoretical and methodological frameworks. Readings will be available in the original Hebrew and Yiddish and in English translations.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Jewish Studies 145. Agnon’s Art of the Jewish Novel - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 0937
Avi Matalon
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Nobel laureate S.Y. Agnon reinvented the Hebrew novel and introduced a unique modernism that combines European and Jewish literary traditions. This course will analyze five novels by S.Y. Agnon and examine the creation of a new Jewish art of historical representation. Readings and discussion in English, supplemental Hebrew language section can be arranged.
Jewish Studies 146 (formerly Jewish Studies 215). Does Glikl Stand Alone? Medieval and Early Modern Jewish Autobiographical Writing
Catalog Number: 9047
Rachel L. Greenblatt
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Weekly readings of Jewish writings about the self as they appear in a variety of literary genres, alongside recent scholarly literature on "Ego-documents" and Jewish autobiography.
Note: Readings will be in English. Optional extra meetings focusing on the original Hebrew (and/or Yiddish) texts may be arranged in case of interest.
Jewish Studies 154. Land, Center, and Diaspora in Ancient Judaism - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3430
Isaiah M. Gafni (Hebrew University)
Half course (spring term). Tu., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
The theme of this course is the relationship of the Jewish diaspora to the Judaean homeland in antiquity (Hellenistic, Roman and early Byzantine periods). Topics include: "the Land" as a marker of Jewish identity; the reality of the diaspora as an ideological problem; center-diaspora tensions and cohesion; the diaspora as a factor in the development of Jewish religion and society. No prior knowledge of the subject is assumed.
Jewish Studies 160. History and Historiography in Rabbinic Literature - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 2385
Isaiah M. Gafni (Hebrew University)
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
This course will compare and contrast the representations of the past and the present in ancient rabbinic literature. The rabbinic modes of presenting ’the facts’ of the past, provide a measure of control by which to understand rabbinic presentations of contemporary events. The course will illustrate how to apply critical tools to the reading of rabbinic texts.
Note: Recommended but not required: familiarity with ancient rabbinic texts.
[Early Iranian Civilizations 103. Manicheism]
Catalog Number: 2604
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Half course (fall term). F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Introduction to and readings in Iranian Manicheism (on the basis of translated texts).
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3580.
Early Iranian Civilizations 104. Beyond Good and Evil: A Thematic Introduction to Zoroastrianism
Catalog Number: 9681
Yuhan Vevaina
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
This course serves as a general introduction to Zoroastrianism through some of its defining themes, including an examination of the figure of the prophet Zarathustra, the question of dualism, and modes of transmitting sacred knowledge. We will also discuss how Zoroastrianism views the individual with respect to the body, the life-cycle, and issues of gender and sexuality.
Islamic Civilizations 205b. The Satanic Verses Problem in History II - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9511
M. Shahab Ahmed
Half course (spring term). M., 2–5. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8, 9
Wide-ranging introduction to the Islamic intellectual tradition through primary source readings from the debate over the Satanic verses incident conducted in the discourses of sirah-maghazi, tafsir, Hadith, ‘ilm al-kalam, usul al-fiqh, Sufism, inter-sectarian polemic, inter-religious polemic, etc, from the 7th century to today.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Advanced Reading Proficiency in Arabic and Islamic Civilizations 205a
*Islamic Civilizations 241r. Approaches to Studying Indo-Muslim Culture and South Asian Islam
Catalog Number: 7515
Ali S. Asani
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A seminar for graduate students focusing on current scholarship on Islamic civilization in South Asia.
Note: Open to undergraduates with a background in Islamic or South Asian studies.
Prerequisite: Introductory coursework on Islam, Religion 1820 or equivalent.
*Islamic Civilizations 350. Reading and Research in Ottoman History and Literature
Catalog Number: 4084
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[Armenian Studies 105. Survey of 19th and 20th Century Armenian Poetry: From Romantics to Revolutionaries]
Catalog Number: 3496
James R. Russell
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
A survey of the great innovators and visionaries: Bedros Tourian, Misak Medzarents, Yeghia Demirjibashian, Daniel Varouzhan, Siamanto, Vahan Teryan, Yeghishe Charents, and their English, Russian, and French colleagues and translators. The course spans the fateful epoch from the mid-19th century to the aftermath of the Russian Revolution.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Knowledge of Armenian preferred but not required.
Akkadian 120. Intermediate Akkadian
Catalog Number: 3724
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Full course (indivisible). Fall: Tu., Th., at 11; Spring: Tu., Th., at 1. EXAM GROUP: Fall: 13; Spring: 15
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 142. Akkadian Hymns and Prayers]
Catalog Number: 6387
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Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Readings from the various genres of Akkadian hymns and prayers, with particular emphasis on the genre of shuilla prayers. In the course of the term, students are expected to master the style and vocabulary of these texts, as well as to learn how to reconstruct a text from several manuscripts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 143. Akkadian Literary Texts]
Catalog Number: 4815
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Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Readings and analysis of a variety of literary texts.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Akkadian 144. Akkadian Divination Texts]
Catalog Number: 6734
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Half course (fall term). W., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Akkadian 148. Old Babylonian Letters]
Catalog Number: 0975
John Huehnergard
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11.
Prerequisite: Akkadian A.
[Akkadian 152. Texts and History of Imperial Assyria]
Catalog Number: 3226
Peter Machinist
Half course (spring term). W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Readings and analysis of a variety of texts from the Neo-Assyrian period illustrating issues in Assyrian imperial history, culture, and language.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of a cuneiform script.
Akkadian 153. Old Akkadian
Catalog Number: 8334
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Readings in representative historical, epistolary, literary, and economic texts with emphasis on the grammar.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
Akkadian 154a. Peripheral Akkadian
Catalog Number: 2416
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Two full courses in Akkadian.
Akkadian 155r. Akkadian Historical Grammar and Dialectology
Catalog Number: 0232
John Huehnergard
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Prerequisite: Two full courses in Akkadian.
[Akkadian 156. Neo-Babylonian Inscriptions]
Catalog Number: 4024
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Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3
Readings and analysis of a variety of texts from the Neo-Babylonian period.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Akkadian grammar, basic vocabulary, knowledge of cuneiform script.
[Sumerian 141. Sumerian Myths and Epics]
Catalog Number: 9858
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
[Sumerian 146. Sumerian Religious Literature]
Catalog Number: 2605
Piotr Steinkeller
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Arabic Ba (formerly Arabic 120a and 120b). Intermediate Arabic I
Catalog Number: 1106
William E. Granara and staff
Half course (fall term). M. through F., at 10, 11, or 12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
A thorough review and continuation of literary (classic and modern) Arabic grammar with emphasis on reading, writing, speaking and listening comprehension. Course materials draw from both classical and modern Arabic literature and culture.
Note: Not open to auditors. Cannot be taken pass/fail. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4351.
Prerequisite: Arabic A or equivalent.
Arabic Bb (formerly Arabic 121a and 121b). Intermediate Arabic II
Catalog Number: 0973
William E. Granara and staff
Half course (spring term). M., through F., at 10, 11, or 12. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
A continuation of Arabic Ba.
Note: Not open to auditors. Cannot be taken pass/fail. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4361.
Prerequisite: Arabic A or equivalent.
Arabic 105. Women and Gender in Arabian Gulf Societies
Catalog Number: 8623
Suaad A. Al-Mana
Half course (spring term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Readings on contemporary history, sociology and literature that treat themes dealing with women, family, and gender politics in the contemporary Arabian Gulf countries.
[Arabic 130a. Upper-Level Classical Arabic I]
Catalog Number: 4591
William E. Granara
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
Introduces students to styles and genres of pre-modern Arabic literary heritage, including a systematic review of classical grammar. Readings include historiographical, geographical and biographical texts, as well as readings from "Adab" (Belles-Lettres) literature and classical Arabic poetry.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4353.
Prerequisite: Arabic Ba or equivalent, or may be taken separately with permission of the instructor.
[Arabic 130b. Upper-Level Classical Arabic II]
Catalog Number: 2964
Carl Sharif El-Tobgui
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 11:30–1. EXAM GROUP: 13, 14
A continuation of Arabic 130a with emphasis on classical Islamic texts, Qur’an, hadîth, sîra, and tafsîr literature; review of advanced classical Arabic morphology and syntax.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4354.
Prerequisite: Arabic 130a or equivalent, or may be taken separately with permission of the instructor.
Arabic 131a. Upper-Level Modern Arabic l
Catalog Number: 0739
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (fall term). M., Tu., Th., W., at 11, and 12. EXAM GROUP: 4, 13
Reading and discussion of selections from Arabic newspapers and journals on contemporary political, social, religious, and cultural issues in the Arab world. Emphasis on developing advanced reading and speaking skills, with some attention to writing and listening comprehension.
Note: Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4363.
Prerequisite: Arabic Ba or equivalent.
Arabic 131b. Upper-Level Modern Arabic II
Catalog Number: 0697
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (spring term). M., Tu., Th., W., at 11, and 12. EXAM GROUP: 4, 13
A continuation of Arabic 131a or may be taken separately with permission of the instructor. Continued emphasis on advanced reading and speaking skills, and introduction to contemporary Arabic fiction, with emphasis on short stories and essays.
Note: Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4364.
Prerequisite: Arabic 131a or equivalent.
Arabic 133. Upper-Level Spoken Modern Standard Arabic
Catalog Number: 4747
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (fall term). M., W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
This course emphasizes the development of advanced speaking and listening skills by exposing students to the contemporary media and academia. Some reading and writing will be required, but classes will revolve around oral presentations and directed conversations.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Two years of Standard Arabic or the equivalent.
Arabic 134. Colloquial Levantine Arabic
Catalog Number: 4154
Khaled Al-Masri
Half course (spring term). M., W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Introduces students to Colloquial Levantine Arabic of Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Israel/Palestine. The course emphasizes the develo[ment of speaking and listening skills through the reinforcement of grammar and vocabulary.
Note: Not open to auditors. Students who have completed Arabic 135 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite: Two years of Standard Arabic or the equivalent.
[Arabic 135. Colloquial Egyptian Arabic]
Catalog Number: 4454
Sayed Abdallah Ali Elsisi
Half course (spring term). M., W., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Introduces students to Egyptian Arabic, the most widely recognized dialect in the Arab world. The course emphasizes the development of speaking and listening skills through the reinforcement of grammar and vocabulary.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors. Students who have completed Arabic 134 may not take this course for credit.
Prerequisite: Two years of Standard Arabic or the equivalent.
Arabic 146r. History of the Arabic Languages
Catalog Number: 8526
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (spring term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
A presentation of the linguistic and cultural history of the various forms of Arabic, including Old North Arabian, Early Classical Arabic (pre-Islamic poetry and Koran), medieval Islamic Arabic, Middle Arabic (with Judeo-Arabic) and the dialects.
Prerequisite: Two years of Arabic or equivalent.
Arabic 150r. History of Classical Arabic Literature: Seminar
Catalog Number: 7759
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Overview of Classical Arabic literature, including reading and discussion of selected texts.
Note: Knowledge of Arabic advantageous but not required. An additional hour may be set aside for reading in the originals.
[Arabic 158. Modern Arabic Literature Seminar: Topic TBA]
Catalog Number: 5145
William E. Granara
Half course (fall term). Th., 4–6. EXAM GROUP: 18
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Arabic helpful but not required. Open to both undergraduates and graduates.
Arabic 160r. Readings in Arabic Historians, Geographers, and Biographers
Catalog Number: 5617
Roy Mottahedeh
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Arabic 162. Introduction to the Modern Arab World - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5643
William E. Granara and staff
Half course (fall term). M., W., at 10, an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
A survey of significant events and issues in the modern Arab world from the later years of the Ottoman Empire to the eve of WWI. Topics include the Arab renaissance, the challenges of modernity, reformist movements, colonialism, and the emergence of the modern nation states.
Note: No knowledge of Arabic required, but bilingual sectioning will be provided for students who may select to read primary sources either in Arabic or English.
Arabic 170. The Modern Arab World Since WWI - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9471
William E. Granara and staff
Half course (spring term). M., W., at 10, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 3
The course examines the major intellectual, political and sociocultural trends in the Arab world, from the anti-colonial struggle to self-determination. Topics include Arab nationalism, political reform, cultural production, economic development, and the emergence of the Arabian Gulf.
Note: Bi-lingual sectioning will be provided for students who may select to read primary sources either in Arabic or English.
[Arabic 230b. Hadith II: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 4362 Enrollment: Limited to 18.
M. Shahab Ahmed
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Arabic 230a.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3975.
Prerequisite: Arabic 230a and advanced proficiency in Arabic.
[Arabic 231a. Qur’an I: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 8707 Enrollment: Limited to 18.
M. Shahab Ahmed
Half course (fall term). M., 2–5. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
An introduction to the text of the Quran and the historical development of Quranic exegesis, through a reading of tafsir and ‘ulum al-quran works.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3976.
Prerequisite: Advanced proficiency in Arabic.
[Arabic 231b. Qur’an II: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 0619 Enrollment: Limited to 18.
M. Shahab Ahmed
Half course (spring term). M., 2–5. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Continuation of Arabic 231a.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3977.
Prerequisite: Arabic 231a and advanced proficiency in Arabic.
Arabic 240r. Classical Arabic Philology
Catalog Number: 5920
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Full course (indivisible). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Arabic philology, including discussion of difficult grammatical problems, introduction to manuscript and editorial work, and readings from the ‘ulûm al-lugha (fall) and ‘ulûm al-dîn (spring).
Note: This constitutes the fourth and final year of the Classical Arabic track.
Arabic 241ar. Modern Arabic Literature and Culture I
Catalog Number: 3309
Khaled Al-Masri
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
This constitutes the final year of Modern Arabic track. Representative readings from contemporary literature and culture will form bases of discussions on major themes in contemporary Arab society.
Note: Conducted in Arabic. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Advanced proficiency in Arabic.
Arabic 241br. Modern Arabic Literature and Culture II
Catalog Number: 6399
Khaled Al-Masri
Half course (spring term). Tu., 2–4, and an additional hour to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
A continuation of Arabic 241ar.
Note: Conducted in Arabic. Not open to auditors.
Arabic 245r. Classical Arabic Literature: Seminar
Catalog Number: 4854
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (fall term). W., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Topic for 2008-09: TBA
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Arabic.
Arabic 246r. Andalus, Sicily, and the Maghrib in Literary and Cultural Texts: Seminar
Catalog Number: 6196
William E. Granara
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Literary and historical texts of the Arabo-Islamic cultures of Spain (al-Andalus), Sicily, and North Africa. Examines the emergence of a "Maghribi" identity amidst cross-cultural relations with the Christian North and the Muslim East.
Prerequisite: Three years of Arabic, or permission from the instructor.
Arabic 248r. Medieval Arabic Writings on Literary Theory and Criticism: Seminar
Catalog Number: 1440
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to the study of the medieval Arabic disciplines dealing with literature. Discussion of selected topics on the basis of text readings and recent secondary literature.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Arabic.
[Arabic 249r. Arabic Philosophical Texts: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 3572
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (spring term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
An introduction to Arabic Logic.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Three years of Arabic or equivalent.
[Arabic 250r. Arabic Theological Texts: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 7849
Khaled El-Rouayheb
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Imitation and Verification in Ash’ari Theology.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 3883.
Prerequisite: Three years of Arabic or equivalent.
*Arabic 320. Reading and Research in Modern Arabic Literature and Literary Criticism
Catalog Number: 9167
William E. Granara 1054
Aramaic 128. Introduction to Turoyo
Catalog Number: 3747
Wolfhart P. Heinrichs
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Turoyo is the Neo-Aramaic (originally, and to some extent still) spoken in the Tur Abdin area of Mardin province, SE Turkey, as well as in the Western diaspora (predominantly in Sweden, Germany, the Netherlands, and the US).
Prerequisite: Some knowledge of Syriac or any other classical Aramaic language.
Armenian 130. Advanced Classical Armenian
Catalog Number: 4926
James R. Russell
Full course. W., 5:30–7:30 p.m. EXAM GROUP: 9
The text of St. Grigor Narekats’i Matean olbergut’ean, with other mystical texts from Armenian and Eastern Christian traditions.
Prerequisite: Armenian A.
[Hebrew 176. Aristotle’s Ethics in Medieval Jewish Thought]
Catalog Number: 4571
Bernard Septimus
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: A reading knowledge of Hebrew
[Hebrew 177. Introduction to Critical Talmud Scholarship]
Catalog Number: 6485
Bernard Septimus
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Designed to introduce students to the philological, historical and source-critical methods used in the contemporary academic study of Talmud and Midrash, through the study of selected passages.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Ability to prepare a Talmudic text.
Modern Hebrew 134r. Seminar in Advanced Modern Hebrew: Israeli Humor and Satire
Catalog Number: 6949
Irit Aharony
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., 10–11:30. EXAM GROUP: 12, 13
This course proposes a look at humor and satire in Israel over the last 60 years in various media. It focuses on political satire and it examines the complex relationship of Israeli humor to Jewish Humor in general.
Note: Discussion, papers and texts presented in Hebrew.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 125a, 125b, or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 120a. Intermediate Classical Hebrew I
Catalog Number: 5545
Jo Ann Hackett and assistant
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
Readings in prose books; review of grammar.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4020.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew A or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 120b. Intermediate Classical Hebrew II
Catalog Number: 8494
Jo Ann Hackett and assistant
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2
Readings in prose and poetic books; review of grammar.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4021.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 120a or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 130ar. Rapid Reading Classical Hebrew I
Catalog Number: 7895
Jo Ann Hackett
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1625/4030.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew A, 120a, and 120b, or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 130br. Rapid Reading Classical Hebrew II
Catalog Number: 7896
Jo Ann Hackett
Half course (spring term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1626/4031.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 130a or equivalent.
Classical Hebrew 138. Historical Grammar of Biblical Hebrew
Catalog Number: 4415
John Huehnergard
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 130, or equivalent.
Modern Hebrew B. Elementary Modern Hebrew
Catalog Number: 4810
Irit Aharony
Full course (indivisible). M., through F., at 9. EXAM GROUP: 2, 11
For students with no previous instruction in Hebrew and for those who have had some unsystematic exposure to the language. Emphasis on developing skills necessary for reading, speaking, and writing. Grammar and vocabulary are taught through Israeli contemporary music.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4015.
Modern Hebrew 120a. Intermediate Modern Hebrew I
Catalog Number: 1711
Irit Aharony
Half course (fall term). M., through F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
Continuation of Modern Hebrew B. Reading of various Modern Hebrew texts including texts from the media. Further developing of writing, listening and speaking. Vocabulary is taught through Israeli contemporary music.
Note: Conducted primarily in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4040.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew B or passing of special departmental placement test.
Modern Hebrew 120b. Intermediate Modern Hebrew II
Catalog Number: 2563
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (spring term). M., through F., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4, 13
Continuation of Modern Hebrew 120a.
Note: Conducted primarily in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4041.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 120a.
Modern Hebrew 125a. Advanced Modern Hebrew I: "All About Boys and Girls"
Catalog Number: 4985
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (fall term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Continuation of Intermediate Modern Hebrew 120a and 120b. The course goal is to further develop practical skills in the language. The course will concentrate on topics of childhood, adolescence, gender and relationships in contemporary Israeli culture.
Note: Conducted in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4042.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 120a, 120b, or equivalent.
Modern Hebrew 125b. Advanced Modern Hebrew II: "Bible Now!"
Catalog Number: 3201
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (spring term). M., W., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Continuation of Modern Hebrew 120a 120b and 125a. The course examines Biblical motifs and narratives in contemporary Israeli literature and discourse.
Note: Conducted in Hebrew. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 4043.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 120a, 120b, and 125a.
Modern Hebrew 130r. Seminar in Advanced Modern Hebrew: A Cultural History of Israel
Catalog Number: 8127
Irit Aharony
Half course (fall term). Tu., Th., 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
A chronological survey of key moments in Israel history as viewed in culture through various media and texts.
Note: Discussion, papers, and texts presented in Hebrew.
Prerequisite: Modern Hebrew 125a, 125b or equivalent.
Modern Hebrew 136ar (formerly Modern Hebrew 136r). Hebrew for Academic Reading
Catalog Number: 3383
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (fall term; repeated spring term). Tu., Th., 1:30–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Hebrew for academic reading is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a strong background knowledge of Hebrew, seeking to master reading skills in a range of Hebrew texts in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle Eastern studies, government, literature, religion, and history. Some selections of the reading material will be decided by the individual needs and interests of the students.
Note: Conducted in Hebrew.
Modern Hebrew 136br (formerly Modern Hebrew 136r). Hebrew for Academic Reading - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 3114
Anna Grinfeld
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Hebrew for academic reading is designed for advanced undergraduate and graduate students with a strong background knowledge of Hebrew, seeking to master reading skills in a range of Hebrew texts in the fields of Jewish studies, Middle Eastern studies, government, literature, religion, and history. Some selections of the reading material will be decided by the individual needs and interests of the students.
Note: Conducted in Hebrew.
Hebrew 160. The Origins and Development of the Classical Jewish Liturgy
Catalog Number: 9703
Bernard Septimus
Half course (fall term). M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An examination of current scholarship and controversy on the origins of the classical liturgy and a consideration of the primary-source evidence. Related topics include: rabbinic liturgy and Second Temple sources, differences between the ancient Palestinian and Babylonian rites, the standard prayers and the origins of liturgical poetry (piyyut), the crystallization of the liturgy, and the emergence of local variations in the early Middle Ages.
Prerequisite: A good reading knowledge of Hebrew.
Hebrew 171. The Problem of Language in Medieval Jewish Thought
Catalog Number: 7205
Bernard Septimus
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
The status and significance of language generally and Hebrew, in particular, viewed from a variety of perspectives in texts from several genres (exegetical, linguistic, literary, legal, philosophical and mystical) ranging chronologically from late antiquity through the Renaissance.
Prerequisite: A good reading knowledge of Hebrew.
Hebrew 191. From Jewish Literature to Israeli Literature: Seminar
Catalog Number: 3376
Avi Matalon
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Examines the development and transition of Hebrew literature from Europe to Israel beginning in the 1850s.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Modern Hebrew required.
*Hebrew 200r. Problems in the Literature, History, and Religion of Israel: Seminar
Catalog Number: 3265
Lawrence E. Stager and members of the Department
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Topic for 2008-09: Israel before the Monarchy.
Note: Primarily for doctoral students in Hebrew Bible. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1810.
[Hebrew 208r. Literature of Israel: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 1356
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic for 2006-07: The Book of Exodus.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Jointly offered with the Divinity School as 1825.
Prerequisite: Advanced reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew. Acquaintance with other relevant ancient and modern languages desirable.
[Hebrew 209r. Literature of Israel: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 1326
Peter Machinist
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Topic for 2010-11: To be announced.
Note: Expected to be given in 2010–11. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1824.
Prerequisite: Good reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew. Acquaintance with other relevant ancient and modern languages desirable.
Hebrew 211r. Literature of Israel: Seminar
Catalog Number: 0727 Enrollment: Limited to 10.
Paul D. Hanson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
The Book of Ezekiel, studied through the application of historical-critical methods of research, with attention to the relation of the Book to earlier prophetic and halakic tradition and to its influence on Second Temple Judaism.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1821.
Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced reading knowledge of biblical Hebrew.
[Hebrew 217. The Medieval Torah Commentary: A Practical Introduction: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 5883
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An introduction to the use of medieval Jewish biblical commentaries as a resource for modern exegetes. Some comparison of the medieval hermeneutical presuppositions with those of the distinctively modern forms of biblical study.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1836.
Prerequisite: Three years of college-level Hebrew (any period).
[Hebrew 218. Joseph and Esther: Seminar]
Catalog Number: 0880
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A close critical reading of Genesis 37-50 and the Book of Esther in Hebrew. Emphasis on literary design and religious messages and on the influence of the story of Joseph upon the Book of Esther.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1802.
Prerequisite: Three years of Hebrew or the equivalent.
Hebrew 235. The Binding of Isaac (Aqedah): Seminar
Catalog Number: 0170
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (fall term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
An examination of Genesis 22 and its afterlife in ancient Judaism, early Christianity, and the Qur’an. Ample consideration of the interpretation and expansion of the story in modern theology and of critical responses to it.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1808.
Prerequisite: Three years of Hebrew or the equivalent.
Hebrew 236. Song at the Sea: Seminar
Catalog Number: 6496
Jon D. Levenson (Divinity School)
Half course (spring term). W., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
A close reading of Exod 13:17-15:21 in two contexts, that of the Hebrew Bible (together with its ancient Near Eastern background) and that of rabbinic Judaism. Ample Hebrew readings in rabbinic midrash.
Note: Offered jointly with the Divinity School as 1816.
Prerequisite: An introductory course in the critical study of the Hebrew Bible and a solid command of Hebrew grammar (any period).
*Hebrew 350. Postbiblical Hebrew Language and Literature
Catalog Number: 4408
Shaye J.D. Cohen 4180 (on leave spring term), Jay M. Harris 2266, and Bernard Septimus 7160
Iranian Ca. Middle Persian I
Catalog Number: 0978
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Introduction to Middle Persian (Pahlavi or Manichean Middle Persian/Parthian).
Iranian Cbr. Middle Persian II
Catalog Number: 1696
P. Oktor Skjaervo
Half course (spring term). M., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 8, 9
Readings in Middle Persian (Pahlavi or Manichean Middle Persian/Parthian).
Iranian 100. Intermediate Middle Persian Language and Literature - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 1811
Yuhan Vevaina
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Translations and critical readings of Pahlavi texts intheir original. Primary readings will be supplemented with secondary scholarship on the theological, linguistic, and cultural issues these texts present.
Prerequisite: Iranian Ca and Cbr.
Persian 120a. Intermediate Persian I
Catalog Number: 2206
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (fall term). M., W., F., at 11, and two additional hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Readings in modern prose literature. Introduction to classical metrics and prosody. Readings in classical prose and poetry.
Persian 120b. Intermediate Persian II
Catalog Number: 3712
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (spring term). M., W., F., at 11, and two additional hours to be arranged. EXAM GROUP: 4
Continuation of Persian 120a.
Persian 140ar. Advanced Persian
Catalog Number: 0814
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
Selected topics in Classical Persian literature for the advanced student. Readings from historical and belletristic texts, as well as modern selections.
Prerequisite: Persian 120b or equivalent.
[Persian 140br. Selected Readings in Classical Persian Literature]
Catalog Number: 0258
Dalia Yasharpour
Half course (fall term). M., W., 2–3:30. EXAM GROUP: 7, 8
A continuation of Persian 140ar.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Persian 150r. Readings in Persian Historians, Geographers and Biographers
Catalog Number: 6538
Roy Mottahedeh
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
[Semitic Philology 151. Introduction to Northwest Semitic Epigraphy]
Catalog Number: 2858
Jo Ann Hackett
Half course (fall term). Tu., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Readings in Hebrew and Phoenician inscriptions with an introduction to methods and techniques of Northwest Semitic palaeography, and attention to problems of historical grammar.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Classical Hebrew 138 or Semitic Philology 140.
Semitic Philology 152. Introduction to Ugaritic
Catalog Number: 2777
Jo Ann Hackett
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Introduction to Ugaritic grammar, with readings in mythological, epistolary, and administrative texts.
Prerequisite: Semitic Philology 140 or equivalent.
Semitic Philology 220r. Northwest Semitic Epigraphy: Seminar
Catalog Number: 2948
Jo Ann Hackett
Half course (spring term). Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Topic for 2008-2009: Ugaritology: the study of Ugaritic texts from discovery to publications.
Prerequisite: Semitic Philology 151.
Turkish 120a. Intermediate Turkish I
Catalog Number: 4009
Hakan T. Karateke
Half course (fall term). M., Tu., Th., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
Emphasis on complex sentence structure and building communicative competence in describing events and expressing ideas through exercises in reading, writing, and speaking.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish A or equivalent.
Turkish 120b. Intermediate Turkish II
Catalog Number: 1394
Hakan T. Karateke
Half course (spring term). M., Tu., Th., F., at 10. EXAM GROUP: 3, 12
Studies in argumentative and literary prose.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 120a or equivalent.
Turkish 121a. Elementary Uzbek
Catalog Number: 3006
Helga Anetshofer and assistant
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged; four meetings per week.
Introduction to conversational and literary Uzbek. Overview of the grammar, intensive practice of the spoken language, and reading of contemporary texts.
Note: Some knowledge of Modern Turkish or other Turkic language helpful but not required.
Turkish 121b. Elementary Uzbek II
Catalog Number: 7303
Helga Anetshofer and assistant
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged; four meetings per week.
Continuation of Turkish 121a.
Note: Some knowledge of Modern Turkish or other Turkic language helpful but not required.
Turkish 125a. Intermediate Uzbek I
Catalog Number: 2947
Helga Anetshofer and assistant
Half course (fall term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Elementary Uzbek with an emphasis on further development of both conversational and literary Uzbek.
Prerequisite: Turkish 121b or equivalent.
Turkish 125b. Intermediate Uzbek II
Catalog Number: 0125
Helga Anetshofer and assistant
Half course (spring term). M., 2–4, Th., 4–6.
A continuation of Turkish 125a.
Prerequisite: Turkish 125a or equivalent.
Turkish 130a. Advanced Turkish I
Catalog Number: 6964
Hakan T. Karateke
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16, 17
Gaining and improving advanced language skills in Modern Turkish through reading, writing, listening, and speaking with special emphasis on the proper usage of vocabulary and idiomatic expressions.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 120b or equivalent.
[Turkish 130b. Advanced Turkish II]
Catalog Number: 4354
Hakan T. Karateke
Half course (spring term). W., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
Studies in literary and idiomatic prose through readings, discussions, and writing of short analytical papers.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 130a or equivalent.
Turkish 135. Readings in Modern Turkish Academic Prose
Catalog Number: 4391
Hakan T. Karateke
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
In this course the students will learn the complex jargon of modern Turkish academic language. Texts will be selected from various disciplines according to the needs of the students but with emphasis on works written after the 1980s.
Note: Not open to auditors. Conducted in Turkish.
Prerequisite: Turkish 130b or the equivalent.
Turkish 140a. Introduction to Ottoman Turkish I
Catalog Number: 8163
Helga Anetshofer
Half course (spring term). Th., at 12, Tu., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 14, 15, 16
Introduction to basic orthographic conventions and grammatical characteristics of Ottoman Turkish through readings in printed selections from the 19th and 20th centuries, and exercises on techniques.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish A or equivalent; one year of Arabic or Persian desirable.
Turkish 140b. Introduction to Ottoman Turkish II
Catalog Number: 8298
Helga Anetshofer
Half course (fall term). Tu., 1–3, Th., at 2. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Continuation of Turkish 140a. Exercises on specialized orthographic conventions and grammatical characteristics of Ottoman Turkish through readings in printed selections from the 19th and 20th centuries.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 140a or equivalent.
[Turkish 145. Introduction to Old Anatolian Turkish]
Catalog Number: 0095
Helga Anetshofer
Half course (fall term). Th., at 1, M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 15
Grammatical, orthographic, and stylistic characteristics of Old Anatolian Turkish through reading and analysis of selected primary sources from the 13th to the 15th centuries.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 140a or equivalent.
Turkish 146. Readings in Old Anatolian Turkish Narrative Prose
Catalog Number: 6628
Helga Anetshofer
Half course (spring term). Th., at 1, M., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 15
Specialized grammatical and orthographic characteristics of Old Anatolian Turkish narrative prose through reading of different genres of handwritten documents from the 14th and 15th centuries.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 140b or equivalent.
[Turkish 147a. Advanced Uzbek I]
Catalog Number: 3846
Helga Anetshofer and assistant
Half course (fall term). M., Tu., Th., F., at 10.
A continuation of Intermediate Uzbek.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Turkish 125b or equivalent.
[Turkish 147b. Advanced Uzbek II]
Catalog Number: 4820
Helga Anetshofer and assistant
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Continuation of Turkish 147a.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Prerequisite: Turkish 147a or equivalent.
[Turkish 152. Middle Turkic]
Catalog Number: 6849
Helga Anetshofer
Half course (spring term). Tu., at 11, F., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 13
Comparative survey of Middle Turkic texts, analyzing the phonology, morphology, and syntax of the Middle Turkic languages. Reading and translation of Karakhanid, Khorazmian Turkic and Kipchak sources.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Knowledge of one Middle Turkic language, including Old Anatolian Turkish or Chagatai.
Turkish 241. Advanced Ottoman - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6536
Hakan T. Karateke
Half course (fall term). F., 1–4. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7, 8
This course will focus on the complex structure of the "high Ottoman" texts. Manuscripts from various disciplines will be read.
Note: Not open to auditors.
Prerequisite: Turkish 240 or equivalent
Yiddish Ba. Intermediate Yiddish I
Catalog Number: 6023
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F.) at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Further development of reading, writing, speaking, and oral comprehension skills. Introduction to features of the main Yiddish dialects: Polish/Galician, Ukrainian/Volhynian, and Lithuanian/Belorussian. Course materials include selections from modern Yiddish fiction, poetry, songs, the press, and private letters, as well as pre-WWII and contemporary Yiddish films. Occasional visits from native Yiddish speakers.
Note: Additional sections at different times may be added as needed.
Prerequisite: Yiddish A or equivalent.
Yiddish Bb. Intermediate Yiddish II
Catalog Number: 1239
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), at 11. EXAM GROUP: 4
Continuation of Yiddish Ba.
Prerequisite: Yiddish Ba or permission of the instructor.
Yiddish Ca. Advanced Yiddish I
Catalog Number: 8331
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (fall term). M., W., (F.), at 1. EXAM GROUP: 6
Emphasis on building advanced vocabulary from the three main lexical components, Germanic, Hebrew-Aramaic, and Slavic, and further development of writing, reading, and speech. Continued exploration of the main Yiddish dialects. Introduction to various styles of Yiddish literature, journalism, theater, film, and song, particularly from the nineteenth century to the present, including contemporary sources from both secular Yiddish culture and the Yiddish-speaking "ultra-orthodox" communities of New York, Jerusalem, and elsewhere.
Note: Additional sections at different times may be added as needed.
Prerequisite: Yiddish Bb or permission of the instructor.
Yiddish Cb. Advanced Yiddish II
Catalog Number: 8968
Yuri Vedenyapin
Half course (spring term). M., W., (F.), 1–2:30. EXAM GROUP: 6, 7
Continuation of Yiddish Ca.
Prerequisite: Yiddish Ca or permission of the instructor.
[Yiddish 104. Faith and Reason in Modern Yiddish Literature]
Catalog Number: 9102
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (fall term). Th., 1–3. EXAM GROUP: 15, 16
Declining confidence in God and growing faith in human reason inspired the renaissance of Yiddish and Hebrew literatures, until their writers began to doubt its "improvements." Course examines this premise studying major works of fiction, drama, and poetry by I. L. Peretz,Sholem Aleichem, Bialik, An-sky, Asch, Brenner, Berdyczewski, the family Singer, and others. Readings in English. Added section available for readers of Yiddish.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10.
Yiddish 108. Golden Atlantis: The Submerged Culture of Yiddish in America
Catalog Number: 6058
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Tu., Th., at 11. EXAM GROUP: 13
Mass migration of European Jews to America after 1881 generated a new branch of Yiddish culture in literature, theater, music, film, criticism, and institutions. Successive waves of immigrants, including refugees of World War II reinforced Yiddish even as the younger generation transposed parts of Jewish culture into English. Course studies major Yiddish works and strands of influence on English America.
Note: Course assumes no knowledge of Yiddish. Readings will be in English. There will be an extra section for Yiddish readers.
[Yiddish 109. The Yiddish Novel Under Tsars and Stripes]
Catalog Number: 6009
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Studies the emergence of the Yiddish novel as a major literary form in Russia, Poland, and the US. Begins with the pioneer of modern Yiddish and Hebrew prose, Mendele Mocher Sforim, includes Sholem Aleichem, Sholem Asch, David Bergelson, Der Nister, and the family Singer: Israel Joshua, Isaac Bashevis, and Esther Kreitman. Highly compressed development of the genre reflects great artistic, ideological, and thematic variety.
Note: Expected to be given in 2009–10. All works available in English translation. There will be an extra section for Yiddish readers.
Yiddish 110. Yiddish Drama on Stage and Screen - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 5353
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Th., 2–4. EXAM GROUP: 16, 17
Explores the development of Yiddish drama from the mid- 19th century to the present. Features major plays from the repertoire, stage and screen adaptations, theatrical innovations; competing aesthetic, political, and cultural trends. New translations make it possible to offer this course in English.
Note: An extra section will be added for students who can read works in the original Yiddish.
Yiddish 120. Modern Yiddish Classics: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 6574
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (fall term). Th., 3–5. EXAM GROUP: 17, 18
Late as compared with other European literatures, Yiddish was jump started in the last quarter of the 19th century by Mendele Mocher Sforim, Sholem Aleichem, and I.L. Peretz. This course examines the writings and cultural influence of these Masters, their shifting critical reception, modern perspectives on their work, adaptations and desiderata.
Note: All readings in English translation. Additional section for Yiddish readers
Yiddish 210. Modern Yiddish Literature: Seminar - (New Course)
Catalog Number: 9279
Ruth R. Wisse
Half course (spring term). Hours to be arranged.
Given in conjunction with Yiddish 108. Concentrates on American Yiddish prose, poetry, drama, and popular culture.
Prerequisite: Reading knowledge of Yiddish required.